exploitation

Everyday

1. Treating people unfairly to get something from them, for example making them work hard for very little pay. tree →
2. Using natural resources such as coal, oil or forests to make money or energy. tree →
3. Making the most of a chance or a situation. tree →

In the lessons

In history and citizenship lessons it is used about child labour, slavery and very low wages. In geography it means using land, minerals and fish, sometimes too much (over-exploitation). In safety lessons it is a warning: no one should use children for money or work.

Examples

• Child labour in Victorian factories was a cruel kind of exploitation. tree →
• The exploitation of coal made Britain rich but polluted the air. tree →
• Over-exploitation of the sea has left fewer fish. tree →
• Fair trade aims to stop the exploitation of farmers. tree →
• Laws protect children from exploitation. tree →
• The workers protested against their exploitation by the mill owners. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable. Verb: «exploit» (ex-PLOIT, to use unfairly or to make use of); noun «an exploit» (EX-ploit) means a brave or daring deed — a different meaning! «Exploitation» is usually negative about people and neutral or negative about resources.